The Talon

The Talon

Why Walking is the Best

All the reasons you should make time to walk during quarantine.

Kent Krejci

Currently, the state of Maryland is on a stay at home order, and is causing families to go stir-crazy inside. This photo was taken in Switzerland during the summer of 2019, on a hike my family and I took. “Walking is the time for our daily download, and a low impact exercise where we get to see friends and chat,” Kent Krejci said.

In the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) adults are recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. In the world’s current situation gyms have been closed and exercise has become an at-home endeavor. Running is high impact, and not everyone wants to follow Chloe Ting’s 2 Week Shred Challenge, so instead try walking. Walking is an easy way to get in some proper exercise, keep occupied, and stay free from physical pains.

Whether it be one long walk or several mini walks throughout the day, walking is a way to clear your head while improving many health aspects. Walking 5-7 days a week can improve your cardiovascular fitness and reduce your risk for heart disease and the possibility of a stroke according to Better Health. Moreover, walking is an easy way to clear your head from all of the coronavirus confusion. A study in the United States Library of Medicine revealed that walking reduces anxiety and depression because of an increase in blood circulation. Walking can give the benefits of running without many of the overuse injuries that follow a runner, such as shin splints. In sum, walking is an easier, but equally effective way to get the benefits of cardiovascular exercise.

In a less scientific aspect, walking is a prime way to spend quality time with family members. Most days families are holed up inside their houses, stuck on Tik Tok or confined to individual rooms. Family and group walks provide a way to bond, work through problems, or plan all the amazing things to be done when stay-at-home restrictions lift. Stay positive and keep walking.